The Highest Office of Apostle

Introduction: What’s the Highest Office in the Church?

Everybody wants a title these days. Prophet. Apostle. Evangelist. Archbishop.

But what does the Bible say about the highest office? Did God design a spiritual hierarchy? And if so, which office did He place first?

The modern church is filled with people fighting over who’s the biggest, the loudest, and the most anointed—but only one office was personally ordained by Jesus Christ, confirmed by resurrection, sealed by miracles, and used to write Scripture.

Let’s open the Word of God and answer these questions clearly:

Is the office of apostle the highest office? Is the office of apostle still valid in today’s churches?

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I. Apostles Were Personally Chosen and Ordained by Jesus

Luke 6:13
And when it was day, he called unto him his disciples: and of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles;

Not everyone got that title.

Jesus had many disciples—multitudes followed Him, listened to Him, and even ministered under His direction. But from that larger group, He handpicked twelve men and gave them a new title: apostles. This was not a volunteer position. This was not a community vote or a denominational appointment.

It was a divine, personal selection by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself.

He didn’t ask for resumes. He didn’t call a committee. He called men by name and gave them the heavenly office of apostle with divine backing.

This wasn’t about status—it was about sacred purpose. These twelve would be trained, empowered, and eventually sent out as the very foundation of the New Testament church. But take a look right there. “And of them he chose twelve, whom also he named apostles.”

Matthew 10:1–2
And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;

We see Peter, Andrew, James, and John listed first in the entire Bible as apostles. That’s the first use of the word apostles in all the Bible. The Bible says, “The first, Simon, who is called Peter.” There’s no mistake in the Bible. Peter is the first apostle.

Matthew 10:3–4
Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him.

Now we see Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James, Lebbaeus, Simon the Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot.

Those men are the original twelve apostles—personally chosen, named, and empowered by Jesus Christ. They didn’t ask for the office. They didn’t create the office. Jesus created the role, filled it, and named them.

He gave them power—not just a title. Authority over devils. Power to heal. A commission to preach the kingdom. And their names are recorded forever in the Word of God—not as elders or deacons or missionaries—but as apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ.

And that makes this office unlike any other in Scripture. The office of apostle is higher than bishop, pastor, elder or deacon.
 

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II. Apostles Are the Foundation of the New Testament Church

Ephesians 2:20
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

Every structure that stands strong starts with a foundation—something laid first, deep, and immovable. Without a foundation, the whole thing collapses. God’s design for the Church was no different.

The corner stone is Jesus Christ—He is the unshakable anchor of the entire spiritual building.

But the foundation stones, according to the Word of God, are the apostles and prophets. Not just any teachers. Not just evangelists. The apostles were laid first, before any church congregation ever met on Sunday morning.

This means that the apostles weren’t just church planters. They weren’t just passionate preachers.

They were foundational men—God used them to lay down the doctrine, direction, and authority for the entire body of Christ.

They didn’t build on someone else’s work.

Romans 15:20
Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man’s foundation:

Paul understood that apostolic work was groundbreaking. They were sent to lay a new pattern—not continue an old one. They taught doctrine by inspiration, established order, corrected heresy, and confirmed the truth by signs and wonders.

Galatians 1:11-12
But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man.  12 For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ is not from a man or a woman. The Gospel is from heaven above. It is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is not the Gospel of a man or a woman. Jesus

After Pentecost, when the Holy Ghost came upon the believers in Acts 2, the early church didn’t build itself on feelings, music, or tradition. They built on the apostles’ doctrine.

Acts 2:42
And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.

Every true New Testament church—then and now—is not just a gathering of people but a continuation of what the apostles laid down. If it’s not built on this doctrine, it’s not built on God’s foundation.

And let’s be clear—no other office in the Bible is ever called foundational.

• Not pastors.
• Not deacons.

Only apostles and prophets are called part of the foundation—and the prophetic office ceased as the New Testament Scriptures were completed.

1 Corinthians 13:8-10
Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.  9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part.  10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

Now that the written Word of God is complete, the prophetic voice has been silenced—and the apostolic foundation has already been laid. You don’t lay a foundation twice.

There are no apostles today because the foundation has already been set—and you can’t improve on perfection. You don’t stack pastors where only apostles were meant to be.

You don’t rewrite the blueprint God already finalized. It’s finished. We don’t add to the word of God. We have what we need.

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III. Apostles Will Sit on Thrones and Judge the Twelve Tribes of Israel

Luke 22:29–30
And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me; 30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

Jesus didn’t make that promise to pastors, bishops, teachers, deacons, or prophets. He gave it to the twelve apostles—personally, directly, and eternally. The honor of judging the twelve tribes of Israel is a royal appointment in the Millennial Kingdom and beyond. This is not just symbolic. This is real authority in the literal Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Jesus said, “I appoint unto you a kingdom.” That’s a transfer of rulership, not just discipleship.

Just as the Father appointed Jesus as King (Psalm 2:6, Revelation 19:16), Christ appointed the apostles as co-rulers in His coming reign.

Their judgment isn’t figurative—it mirrors what was done under the judges and kings of Israel, except in perfect righteousness under Christ.

Nowhere in the New Testament is this kind of promise made to any other office in the church.

Pastors lead local flocks, but they don’t sit on thrones judging Israel.

Evangelists preach the Gospel, but they’re not commissioned to rule in the Kingdom. And they aren’t an ordained office in the New Testament church.

Teachers instruct in doctrine, but they’re not given governmental seats in prophecy.

Only apostles are said to sit on twelve thrones.

Revelation 21:14
And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

The New Jerusalem will forever bear their names in its very foundations.

This isn’t just honor—it’s permanence. Their names are etched into the eternal architecture of God’s holy city.

No one else’s name is there. Not Abraham. Not Moses. Not Paul (unless you believe he replaced Judas). Just the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

Judas forfeited his throne by transgression. As Acts 1 shows, his bishoprick (office) was taken by another—Matthias, chosen by God through casting lots before Pentecost. That shows how serious this office was: someone had to take Judas’s place so that the number would remain twelve, ensuring the fulfillment of Christ’s promise.

Acts 1:24-26
And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen,  25 That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.  26 And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.

The apostles will rule in the 1,000-year reign of Christ (Revelation 20:6) and possibly into eternity.

Their thrones suggest delegated judgment, much like ancient Israel’s tribal judges—but this time under the direct kingship of Jesus. They will likely serve as governors or overseers of each tribe, restoring Israel’s governance in righteousness under the New Covenant.

This isn’t a reward for service. It’s a divine appointment given by Jesus Himself to a specific office. The apostles weren’t just the first missionaries—they are permanent pillars in God’s government. Their authority is prophetic, judicial, and eternal. No other office in the New Testament is described this way. And that tells us how unique and unrepeatable the office of apostle truly is.

Remember, we’re talking about the highest office of apostle.

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IV. Apostles Had Authority Over All the Churches

2 Corinthians 10:8
For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord hath given us for edification, and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed:

Paul wasn’t a local pastor—he was an apostle, ordained by the Lord to establish, oversee, correct, and guide churches across entire regions. His role went far beyond shepherding one flock. He had divinely delegated authority to speak, command, and even rebuke entire congregations because his apostleship was not limited by geography—it was rooted in heavenly calling and New Testament revelation.

Paul never became “Pastor Paul of Corinth.” Yet he wrote them letters of instruction, rebuke, and doctrine—because as an apostle, he carried universal authority over the churches he planted and the ones he hadn’t even seen.

There are men today that think they are like Paul. I know one of them. He believes himself to be way up there. But he’s not. He’s not an apostle.

To the Church at Corinth, Paul said this:

1 Corinthians 4:21
What will ye? shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness?

To the Galatian church, Paul said this:

Galatians 3:1
O foolish Galatians, who hath bewitched you, that ye should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth, crucified among you?

To the Thessalonian church, Paul said this:

2 Thessalonians 3:6
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

To the church at Ephesus, Paul said this:

Acts 20:29-30
For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.  30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

He spoke as one who had direct orders from Jesus Christ, and the churches were expected to listen.

Paul wasn’t elected. He didn’t submit his letters for board review. He didn’t ask permission to send Timothy or Titus to correct doctrine or set things in order. His words were Scripture. His commands were divine. Why? Because the apostles didn’t just oversee churches—they were used by the Holy Ghost to lay the very foundation of the Church.

The Apostle Paul ordained elders in every city (Titus 1:5). He delivered decrees that churches were expected to keep (Acts 16:4). He even confronted Peter to his face when Peter’s conduct endangered the Gospel (Galatians 2:11–14).

No bishop, pastor, or teacher today wields that level of authority. Only apostles did—because their role was foundational, not pastoral.

The apostles weren’t just messengers—they were divinely inspired architects of the Church’s doctrine and structure. Pastors today preach what the apostles wrote, but the apostles spoke what the Holy Ghost gave. Their job was to:

Build the barn (establish the doctrine)

Plant the pasture (lay down the teaching)

Ordain the shepherds (appoint bishops and elders)

And correct the flock wherever it strayed

Apostles were not part of the local church structure—they were above it, called to set it in order. They were a part of the church to set it in order. They held universal, Spirit-empowered authority over churches across entire regions, even ones they never personally visited.

That kind of authority does not exist today. Pastors are local. Teachers are limited. But apostles—they were the scaffolding of the New Testament Church. Once the building was complete, the scaffolding came down.

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V. Apostles Wrote the Scriptures

2 Peter 3:15–16
And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you;  16 As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction.

Peter didn’t say Paul wrote commentary. He didn’t say Paul wrote helpful letters. He said Paul wrote Scripture—equal to Moses, Isaiah, David, and the rest.

Let that sink in:

The same apostle who walked on water said that another apostle’s letters were Holy Scripture. That level of divine authority is not handed out lightly.

The apostolic writings weren’t merely brilliant—they were breathed by God.

2 Timothy 3:16
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

Paul didn’t just teach Scripture—he wrote it. When his pen hit that paper, heaven spoke through the Holy Spirit and through the Apostle Paul.

That inspiration didn’t extend to deacons, elders, missionaries, or evangelists. It was exclusive to men who were personally chosen by Christ and confirmed with signs. God used apostles to record doctrine, church order, Christology, prophecy, and Christian living—not one word of it was man’s opinion.

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VI. Apostles Carried All the Signs and Wonders

2 Corinthians 12:12
Truly the signs of an apostle were wrought among you in all patience, in signs, and wonders, and mighty deeds.

The apostles didn’t just preach truth—they proved it. They didn’t show up with credentials from man—they showed up with confirmation from heaven.

When an apostle entered a town, the supernatural followed:

• Demons obeyed their voice
• Diseases fled at their touch
• The dead were raised
• Judgment fell when they spoke (Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 and Elymas the sorcerer in Acts 13 are two examples)

The Apostles didn’t need hype. They didn’t need emotional music. They didn’t need a platform or a following.

They had the anointing of Jesus Christ himself. The had real, visible power.

Other believers in the New Testament did perform miracles at times—Stephen a deacon (Acts 6:8), Philip (Acts 8:6–7) a deacon, and others were used mightily by God. But those miracles were:

• Limited in scope,
• Occasional,
• And always under apostolic oversight.

Only the apostles had all the signs as a continuous mark of their divine office.

These signs weren’t just random wonders—they were credentials to verify that the man preaching carried the authority of Jesus Christ Himself.

Mark 16:20
And they went forth, and preached every where, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following. Amen.

That confirmation wasn’t for just any preacher—it was for the apostles.

Once their message was established and the written Word was complete, the signs were no longer needed—because the foundation had been laid. The foundation was completed. There are no longer apostles in this world today.

Apostles didn’t just carry the message—they carried the confirmation. They didn’t have to say, ‘Believe me’—God said, ‘Watch this.’ The signs followed the men who were sent, not the men who were simply serving. That’s why the apostolic office can’t be faked today—because the signs that proved it are long gone, just like the office itself.”

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VII. Apostles Were Ordained by Christ Alone

Galatians 1:1
Paul, an apostle, (not of men, neither by man, but by Jesus Christ, and God the Father, who raised him from the dead;)

The office of apostle doesn’t come through a vote, a denomination, or a laying on of hands by elders. It doesn’t come through seminary, sincerity, or success in ministry.

It comes directly from Jesus Christ—and only from Jesus Christ.

Paul goes out of his way to make it clear: His apostleship wasn’t man-made. It wasn’t church-appointed. It was divinely issued by the resurrected Son of God.

That separates it from every other office in the New Testament church.

• A pastor is ordained by a local church (Titus 1:5).
• A deacon is chosen by the congregation (Acts 6:3).
• But an apostle is personally called, commissioned, and sent by the Lord Himself—post-resurrection.

Apostleship Required Seeing the Risen Christ

1 Corinthians 9:1
Am I not an apostle? am I not free? have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? are not ye my work in the Lord?

Paul defends his apostleship not by his ministry record—but by the fact that he saw the risen Christ.

That’s one of the defining marks of a true apostle:

• Chosen personally by Christ
• Eyewitness of the resurrection
• Appointed with full authority to establish doctrine

No one today has seen the risen Christ. No one today has been personally commissioned by Him in glory. That means no one today is an apostle—no matter what title they claim.

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Paul Was the Final Apostle

1 Corinthians 15:8
And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

Paul calls himself the last to see Christ in resurrection glory.

That wasn’t poetic language—it was doctrinal finality.

Jesus appeared to:

• Mary Magdalene
• The eleven
• Over 500 brethren at once
• James
• Then all the apostles

And then to Paul—last of all.

That’s the period at the end of the apostolic sentence.

After Paul, there were no more appearances. No more ordinations. No more apostles. Paul was ordained to the office of apostle by the Lord Jesus Christ. There is no higher office. Paul didn’t need to be ordained as an Evangelist as some false preaching will say. He is never once called an Evangelist, as in the office of Evangelist because that doesn’t exist in the Bible.

He was ordained as an apostle and that is the highest office. He was ranked higher than a pastor. Many lifted up men out there don’t like to hear that, but they will never be at or near the level of the Apostle Paul.

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The Office Is Closed—The Authority Remains

The apostolic office is no longer active—but the apostolic authority still speaks through the pages of the New Testament.

When you read Paul, Peter, John, or Matthew—you’re reading men who were not ordained by men, but by Christ Himself, for the one-time purpose of laying the foundation.

Ephesians 2:20
And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone;

The foundation has been laid. The cornerstone has been set. You don’t lay it twice—and you don’t call yourself an apostle unless Jesus Christ appeared to you Himself.

“A pastor may be ordained by the church. A deacon may be appointed by the people. But an apostle was chosen by Christ—in person, after the resurrection. And Paul was the last to get that call. After him, the line went dead. No one else has received the call, because the office is closed—and the foundation is already finished.”

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Conclusion: God Placed the Apostles First—and That Office Is Closed

The ordained office of the apostle was there to lay the foundation of the church. That office is no longer open. There are only two offices in the church today. Pastors and deacons.

Let’s summarize what God’s Word says about the office of apostle:

Personally chosen by Jesus Christ
Laid the doctrinal foundation of the Church
Will sit on thrones judging Israel in the Kingdom
Had universal authority across churches
Wrote the New Testament Scriptures
Confirmed their message with miracles
Were ordained directly by Christ after His resurrection

And the Bible settles it:

1 Corinthians 12:28
And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.

First apostles. Not third. Not shared. Not honorary.

So is the office of apostle the highest office? “FIRST APOSTLES.” Yes—and it’s sealed, settled, and no longer open.

We don’t need new apostles. We need to stand firm on the doctrine the real ones already gave us.

Jude 1:17
But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ;

The foundation is laid. The Word is finished. Let every church and every preacher say—we’ll build on what the apostles left behind.

Let’s pray.